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Pregnancy: Kick Counts

Topic Overview

After 18 to 20 weeks, you will notice that your baby moves
and kicks more at certain times of the day. For example, when you are active,
you may feel less kicking than when you are resting quietly. At your prenatal
visits, your doctor may ask you whether the baby is active.

Kick counts. In the last trimester of your pregnancy, your doctor may ask you
to keep track of the baby's movement every day. This is often called a "kick
count." A common way to do a kick count is to see how much time it takes to
feel 10 movements. Ten movements (such as kicks, flutters, or rolls) in 1 hour
or less are considered normal. But do not panic if you do not feel 10
movements. Less activity may simply mean the baby is sleeping.

If an hour goes by and you have not recorded 10 movements, have something to eat or drink and count for another hour. If you do not record 10 movements in the 2-hour period, call your doctor right away.

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